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New Business Penalties and Rules raise concernStrong penalties and rules that now apply for booking arrangements in Regional Victoria. By Portal Admin - 25th October 2020 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe yesterday in State Parliament raised serious concerns on behalf of many accommodation and hospitality businesses regarding the Governments recently announced strong penalties and rules that now apply for booking arrangements in Regional Victoria.
The Government have implemented new measures in order to protect Regional Victorians from the higher risks of COVID-19 in metropolitan Melbourne and this includes the need for regional businesses to refuse bookings for customers from Stage 4 areas.
"Whilst I agree the measures are well intentioned, I’ve been hearing from many local businesses who have found this week’s new business rules around photo ID checking prior to booking, are not feasible in many circumstances" Mr Northe began.
Last Sunday the Premier announced new, stronger requirements for regional Victorian businesses would be implemented that very evening;
"From midnight tonight, this requirement will be made even stronger, with businesses who consciously fail to check their customers are not from metropolitan Melbourne facing fines of up to $9,913".
"Whilst I understand that keeping Regional Victorians safe is of paramount importance, there has obviously been little consultation with how this change impacts upon businesses and in a very unrealistic timeline" said Mr Northe.
"In fact, many hospitality and accommodation businesses are unsure if they can even comply with these new requirements and haven’t been afforded the time to work out their new practices" Mr Northe continued.
The "Industry Restart Guidelines" for the Accommodation and for Hospitality industries, states that;
"You must ask for photo ID e.g. driver license or proof of age card, which confirms their address is not metropolitan Melbourne or alternatively have them complete a written form… that confirms the same". "
"Many organisations were already recording visitors address or postcode under previous guidelines, however, requiring them to now sight a customer’s ID prior to actually booking accommodation or a meal, is proving problematic" Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe also said that it was not easy for businesses or their staff to determine which towns or postcodes actually fall within the Stage 4 areas. In some cases, junior staff were taking these administrative details and may not have vast knowledge of postcodes and locations.
"This information is not readily available and finding such detail can take considerable time and effort. This is not always able to be captured over the phone, and many online booking platforms don’t have this facility" Mr Northe said.
"Businesses are wanting to and trying their best to do the right thing and abide by the rules, but these new requirements are making it difficult from a financial and administrative perspective".
"It’s almost like the onus has been shifted from the Government and individual persons to make the right decisions and subsequently been lumped on the business community. In the first instance, individuals particularly from metropolitan Melbourne should be following the rules yet ultimately its Regional businesses who are the ones at risk of receiving a massive penalty" Mr Northe lamented.
"It’s incumbent on the Government to ensure their ‘ring of steel’ is adequately resourced both on our road and public transport network, to deter persons from Melbourne coming into our region against the rules. It’s incumbent upon individuals who do come to Gippsland within the rules to ultimately, do the right thing" Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe said he was also aware of local persons who do not possess photo ID and who were subsequently unable to make a booking at a local establishment. It’s understandable that businesses have taken such action, as the failure to comply elicits a massive penalty.
"So, it’s not only businesses that having difficulty grappling with these rapid changes but customers as well" Mr Northe continued.
"Our local hospitality and accommodation businesses have already been operating in a limited capacity and the concern is that even Regional Victorians trying to visit and stay at other parts of Regional Victoria will become an issue, as photo ID is required and many booking options don’t cater for such provisions".
"Given the uncertainty in Melbourne and beyond, there have been countless cancelled bookings and refunds on deposits returned, and now businesses under these new rules will be unable to take a booking from someone in a lockdown area, even if it’s for 12 months down the track" Mr Northe stated.
"These sectors are crucial to our local economy, and many were hopeful that the upcoming long weekends would bring some relief, yet that remains to be seen".
"To be fair, I do believe that there are some unintended consequences with these measures. It is imperative that the Government recognises this now and turns its attention as to how they can better support and assist local businesses who have the threat of massive fines hanging over their head - even as they are trying their utmost to abide by the rules" Mr Northe concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Latrobe City Council’s Industry Growth Program offers 12 weeks of business education, coaching, and mentoring, helping 15 eligible business leaders develop growth strategies and expand their businesses, free of charge. - Coastal Promontory Ward Councillors drop-in at Meeniyan Community Hub back to back with Tarwin Valley Councillors business visit at Leongatha CBD on 22 July 2026
Councillors will host a Meeniyan community drop-in and visit Leongatha businesses on 22 July to hear local ideas, concerns and feedback for Council's Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy. - East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises. - Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries. - Baw Baw Shire residents urged to be vigilant and follow safety rules despite fire restriction ease
Despite eased restrictions, fire risk remains. Residents can conduct burn-offs under strict rules, must supervise fires, follow regulations, and stay alert as total fire ban days may still apply. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers. - Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers. - East Gippsland Water warns dry conditions require following permanent water saving rules to protect community and future supply
East Gippsland Water urges residents to conserve water amid drying conditions, following Permanent Water Saving Rules to protect supplies, reduce pressure on catchments, and maintain community health and safety. - Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft 2026-27 Budget supporting infrastructure, grants and new FOGO waste service by 25 May 2026
Latrobe City invites community feedback on its 2026/27 Draft Budget, supporting infrastructure, public spaces, grants, and FOGO service, with major local projects included. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health. - Heyfield Wetlands visitors can now refill bottles and provide water for dogs using new fountain
Heyfield Wetlands receives new drinking fountain, supporting community recreation, hydration, pets and Gippsland Water’s broader public refill network initiative. - Bass Coast Shorts opens 2026 entries, celebrating local filmmakers, stories, heritage and new creative connections
Submissions are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Shorts festival, celebrating local and visiting filmmakers, with screenings, networking, awards and new food-and-film events across Cowes and Wonthaggi. - Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions. - Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative. - Noojee launches three-week truffle festival, showcasing local produce, boosting tourism, supporting businesses and economic growth
The inaugural Noojee Truffle Festival launches 10 July, celebrating local truffle producers with tastings, cooking demonstrations and truffle dog shows. Backed by $173,000, the festival aims to boost tourism, businesses and regional economic growth. - Bass Coast wins National Award for Circular Economy Program driving sustainable local business innovation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 National Economic Development Award for its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, supporting local businesses to reduce waste, innovate sustainably, and embrace circular economy practices. - Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns. - Latrobe City Council highlights strong financial performance and community-focused progress in its 2024/2025 Annual Report presentation
Latrobe City Council’s 2024/2025 Annual Report shows strong financial sustainability, strategic progress and disciplined planning, highlighting new health-focused development and continued delivery of essential services and infrastructure. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication. - ANZAC Week Airshow draws strong crowds, boosts Gippsland economy, celebrates aviation, defence heritage and regional tourism growth
The ANZAC Week Airshow drew strong crowds, generated a $1.8 million boost, showcased aviation excellence, and supported over 90 Gippsland businesses. - East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns. - The Nationals pledge to scrap VNI West by ending Labor’s net zero agenda and renewable rollout
The Nationals say they will stop VNI West by scrapping Labor’s net zero agenda, arguing the transmission project threatens farmland, food security, regional communities and affordable electricity across Victoria. - East Gippsland calls for stronger road funding ahead of 2026 Victorian state election commitments
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging stronger state funding for regional roads, backing a $1.5 billion package to improve safety, freight efficiency, resilience and long-term infrastructure maintenance ahead of the 2026 election. - Gippsland Water storage levels remain strong despite below-average spring rainfall forecast, with no supply shortages expected across the region
Gippsland Water says strong storage levels will support customer demand through spring despite below-average rainfall forecasts, with no shortages expected. Customers are reminded to follow Victoria’s permanent water-saving rules. - Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025. - One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs. - Customer Experience Survey shows strong satisfaction as East Gippsland Water uses feedback to improve services and operations
East Gippsland Water’s Customer Experience Survey shows strong satisfaction results, capturing six months of feedback to improve service delivery, responsiveness, and communication across office and field operations. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026. - Committee for Gippsland welcomed Hon David Davis MP to meet local stakeholders and business leaders
Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits. - Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area. - East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M to upgrade Lakes Entrance drainage, protect communities and unlock 1,500 new housing lots
East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lakes Entrance drainage upgrades to reduce flood risk, protect communities and support development of 1,500 housing lots. - Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
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